Deryl McKissack is the president and CEO of McKissack & McKissack, a construction management and design firm based in Washington, D.C. with a rich legacy dating back to her great-great grandfather Moses, a skilled brick maker who came to the U.S. as a slave in 1790. Innovation and expertise were passed down through multiple generations of the McKissack family, leading to the establishment of a construction company in Tennessee by two of Moses’ grandsons, which remains in the family today. Motivated by a desire to see more Black women CEOs in the construction industry, Deryl McKissack launched her own company in 1990 with just $1,000 from her savings account.
Despite facing challenges in attracting clients and securing funding, McKissack’s determination and passion fueled the growth of her company. She utilized networking skills to land her first project and steadily grew her portfolio by completing one successful job after another. Her perseverance paid off, as she eventually secured contracts with federal agencies like the White House and U.S. Treasury building. McKissack’s dedication to her business was evident as she prioritized paying her employees over herself, gradually increasing her own salary over the years.
The global construction industry is projected to be worth trillions of dollars by 2037, yet women, especially Black women, still face significant underrepresentation in leadership roles. McKissack and her twin sister Cheryl, who also runs a construction company in New York, are among the rare examples of Black women CEOs in the industry. Despite running separate businesses, the sisters collaborate on projects and offer each other support, acknowledging the unique challenges they face. McKissack remains committed to fostering opportunities for Black talent in the architecture, engineering, and construction sector through her nonprofit organization AEC Unites.
McKissack’s dedication to creating a more inclusive and diverse industry stems from her belief that true success is achieved when others who look like her also excel. She envisions a future where more Black and women executives thrive in the construction field, paving the way for future generations to enter the industry. McKissack’s daughter, a bioengineering student at New York University, represents the potential sixth generation of McKissacks in the construction business, carrying on the family legacy of innovation and excellence. Through her leadership and advocacy, McKissack continues to inspire and empower aspiring professionals in the construction industry.
The journey of Deryl McKissack exemplifies the resilience and determination required to succeed as a Black woman in a male-dominated industry. Her commitment to excellence and her dedication to supporting and uplifting others have made her a trailblazer in the construction field. McKissack’s story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of mentorship and collaboration in breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups. As she continues to lead her company and advocate for diversity and inclusion in the construction sector, McKissack’s impact on the industry and her community will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.
